Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion

About Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build enable some of the most ambitious missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and more. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit, while we develop the Neutron launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs satellites, payloads, and components for NASA missions and for the James Webb Space Telescope.

Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion

Based out of Rocket Lab’s site in Chantilly, VA, the Business Development Director, Satellite Propulsion is responsible for managing all business development activities for propulsion products such as electric propulsion systems and propellant tanks. This role supports senior leadership and the Business Development organization, with deliverables for the Board of Directors and investors.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Lead propulsion products business development, generating and executing sales of strategically aligned propulsion products to exceed sales metrics for the Space Systems division, including propulsion tanks, thrusters, and subsystems.
• Develop and implement sales plans, systems, policies, initiatives, and procedures to manage the sales pipeline and close deals.
• Collaborate with Communications & Marketing to create propulsion product collateral and with Engineering and Production/Operations to ensure adequate plans for low lead‑time delivery.
• Lead research on the propulsion product competitive landscape, forecast sales, determine pricing, and support business development, strategy, and the space systems product roadmap.
• Grow existing business opportunities and nurture relationships with existing customers to develop additional opportunities.
• Create new business opportunities and relationships by presenting Rocket Lab’s capabilities and experience for propulsion products.
• Forecast the pipeline (non‑backlog) element of revenue.
• Develop and present bid
  o‑bid strategies, and manage proposal planning, preparation, and submission.
• Advise on and help implement technology licensing deals and strategic acquisitions for new and strategically aligned space systems elements.
• Identify and obtain RFPs from aerospace/satellite primes and other satellite integrators for new and continuing space mission opportunities.
• Lead or participate in proposal activities, including generation of technical, management, cost, schedule, and proposal content for new business.
• Develop strong relationships across all levels of the business to ensure alignment, efficiency, and collaboration, coordinating with stakeholders.
• Represent Rocket Lab at industry conferences and customer meetings.
• Travel as needed for business opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline.
• 12+ years of experience working with contractors in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Experience in the aerospace/satellite sector.
• Experience with satellite propulsion products development, manufacturing, and/or sales.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• Master’s degree in aerospace engineering or related engineering field; or business.
• Demonstrable record of success in business development, sales, program management, and/or engineering of satellite propulsion products.
• Extensive awareness of current/ongoing commercial and government satellite programs.
• Experience and/or deep understanding of engineering design or analysis is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of mission design/trajectory capabilities and requirements.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Personable and able to interface well with customers and present to large groups.
• Experience leading, managing, and growing geographically dispersed teams on fast‑paced projects.
• Ability to take ownership and action on challenges, step up to manage tough situations while encouraging colleagues and direct reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite products, including MS Project.
• General knowledge of industry specific technical requirements and quality requirements.
• Understanding of a manufacturing and engineering company, working in a manufacturing environment in the propulsion products industry, and propulsion products for space applications.
• Knowledge of typical propulsion product customer requirements and associated technical solutions, needs, schedules, and costs.
• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• Experience with proposal development, writing, and best practice capture processes, and ability to independently complete cost and technical proposals.
• Ability to develop cost estimates for build‑to‑print and design‑to‑specification programs.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.

Additional Requirements

• Frequent domestic and international travel required.
• Availability outside of normal business hours and/or weekends as needed.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

What To Expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. Our people are determined, innovative, and team‑oriented. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on delivering results rather than dwelling on challenges.

Important Information

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to protected characteristics. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: Background checks will include nationality checks as required by U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Candidates must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, a NATO country, or an eligible dual citizenship.

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